A poll has found the top 20 things parents have to do before their kids go back to school – and they’ve estimated they’ll only get 75% of it done in time for term to start
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Specsavers launch Screen Van to encourage kids eye tests
Parents have estimated they’ll get three quarters of their ‘back to school’ list done in time for term to start.
A poll, of 1,000 parents of school-aged children, found buying new uniforms, getting fitted for school shoes and organising transportation are just a handful of tasks on the seemingly ‘never ending’ list.
Also, on the list of back-to-school tasks are buying new pencil cases and pencils, purchasing books and stitching on name labels. However, just 20% will add booking eye tests to the list before the return to school.
The research was commissioned by Specsavers, which has created an ‘Eye Screen Van’, to prompt parents into thinking about their children’s eye health in London’s South Bank and The Royal Botanical Garden in Edinburgh – equipped with ice lollies and visual screeners to identify potential eyesight problems in children.
Clinical services director Giles Edmonds explained why getting an eye test before the new term is important: “A lot of parents assume that because their child doesn’t display any signs of a vision problem, there’s no need to have their eyes tested.”
“However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Ensuring your child has regular eye examinations from an early age is incredibly important for several reasons. Given more than 80% of our learning, cognitive and social abilities are facilitated through our sight, it’s extremely important to your child’s overall development.”
“Poor eyesight can cause learning and behavioural problems. Conditions such as squinting and amblyopia (lazy eye) can be treated more effectively if they are picked up earlier, which could make a huge difference to your child.”
“An eye test doesn’t just check vision. It can also detect other underlying health conditions.”
Just over a quarter (26%) of parents polled said their child had experienced problems at school which could be linked to vision. The most common issues raised includes struggling to see the whiteboard (37%), having to move to the front of the classroom to see (33 %) or experiencing headaches (28%).
A fifth (22%) have had difficulties during PE lessons, because they weren’t able to see a ball properly and 24% of kids have expressed reluctance to have their eyes tested, according to the figures.
In also emerged that one in four kids, aged four and 16, have never had an eye test, and a further 17% haven’t had one in two years or longer.
Little progress has been made in the last 15 years as research carried out by Specsavers in 2009 showed just under a quarter (23%) of children aged between three and 12 had never had an eye test .
Children under the age of 16, as well as those under 19 in full- time education, are entitled to an NHS-funded eye test and free glasses at any high street optician, however, 22% of parents are not aware of this.
Giles Edmonds added: “We understand how many things parents have to think about, especially during the summer holidays and before the new school year starts.”
“By showing up with our eye screen van, we hope we’ve put eye tests on parents’ radars as they play a significant role in setting children up for a happy and fulfilling school life.”
TOP 20 BACK-TO-SCHOOL TASKS:
- Buying new uniforms
- Getting my child fitted for new shoes
- Buying new PE/ sports kit (includes swimming)
- Stationery shopping
- Labelling personal items
- Reviewing school schedules and calendars
- Planning meals and snacks
- Buying new books
- Reviewing what textbooks are needed
- Dental check-up
- Discussing goals and expectations
- Getting my child’s eyes tested
- Organising before or after school clubs/ extracurricular activities
- Arranging childcare for before/ after school
- Updating household chores and responsibilities
- Organising school transportation
- Reviewing school policies
- Updating emergency contact information
- Scheduling other medical appointments
- Organising study areas at home
